West Seattle, Washington

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month : 11/2012 344 results

West Seattle art: Christopher Boffoli brings his images to Alki Elementary, ArtsWest
November 2, 2012 11:56 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Photo courtesy Karen Hinkey)
Longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli continues to make an international splash with his acclaimed “big food/little people” art-photography series “Big Appetites.” Just back from a huge art expo in Toronto, Christopher is talking to audiences here at home in West Seattle, too. Today Christopher visited Alki Elementary for “Master Artist” presentations to two groups of students, and says he had a great time: “I guess some of the classes are going to be making their own photographs with tiny figures and food so some of the kids were really excited about it and had great ideas about what to shoot.” He also reports some of the youngest students found some of his images most humorous. Artists volunteering for presentations like this are helping make up for arts-funding shortages at school.

And as of a few days ago, Christopher is displaying work in a West Seattle gallery for the first time, with images including this one:

ArtsWest is showcasing Christopher’s work and that of two other artists in “A Feast for the Eyes: Food in Art,” a group show running through December 15th, with a reception next Thursday, November 8th (West Seattle Art Walk night) and an informal “artists’ talk” on December 13th – both events are 6-7:30 pm.

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Election 2012: Not old enough to vote, but they hope you will
November 2, 2012 9:46 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A message for you from Gatewood Elementary students, forwarded on their behalf by teacher Darren Radu (who also shared the photo):

We are 4th grade students of Team Mt. Si at Gatewood Elementary. Our big goal is to have a positive effect on the systems in our world. We’ve been studying the electoral system and watching the election. Did you know that many people who can vote forget to or choose not to? Today we did some service to encourage people who think that it’s not important to vote. What happens in elections affects all of us because the people who are elected make big decisions and create our laws.

We walked from Gatewood to Morgan Junction while we were holding up our signs. We did a bunch of chants like, “when I say vote, you say ‘for America’!’. We chanted: “Vote! For America!” A lot of people honked and waved at us as we marched and chanted. People were interested in what we were doing. Many people told us that they already voted and we cheered for them.

We made signs and showed people that we kids care about the election. We can’t vote because we’re all little, but we’re encouraging our elders to vote. We think it’s a shame that not everybody votes who can. If we could vote, we definitely would!

We hope that you can help us spread the word about why voting is important.

Thanks!

The 4th Grade Students of Team Mt. Si
Gatewood Elementary

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Beloved but unprotected: Octopus ‘harvest’ at Seacrest brings calls for protection
November 2, 2012 4:21 pm
|      103 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

They are mysterious, majestic – and largely unprotected. Now the status of the Giant Pacific Octopus has come to light – harsh light – because of an incident here in West Seattle, but it’s a light that might also lead the way to overdue protection.

WSB Forums members have been talking about it for a day, divers’ discussion boards have been spreading it like wildfire, and citywide media has picked it up too – an outrage-sparking saga from the popular diving area off Seacrest – known as Cove 2 – involving someone “harvesting” an octopus that was originally reported to be a female guarding eggs.

If you haven’t heard about this yet – here’s a basic version of the original report, on a personal website. The citywide media reports include one from our partners at The Seattle Times today, and a story by KING5.com last night.

While some of the discussion has centered on the alleged braggadocio of the diver who took the octopus – and someone claiming to be him has been posting in the WSB Forums thread, denying that it was a female – others have focused on this question: How can this be made illegal, so that it can’t happen – legally – again? That’s what we looked into

Right now, state Department of Fish and Wildlife rules say it’s legal to “harvest” an octopus (if licensed, and per a daily limit) just about anywhere – except for Marine Protected Areas (here’s a map). As the map shows, there are some in West Seattle – Schmitz and Richey Viewpoints off Beach Drive. The state law regulating protected areas is here.

The first person from whom we heard about this, award-winning environmental advocate and diver Laura James, expected a petition drive to be started to designate the popular diving area off Seacrest as a protected area.

And that’s one way to make it happen, we found out when we called WDFW to ask what is required to get an area designated as a protected area. Spokesperson Craig Bartlett provided a raft of information – and told us that the department is also looking into the issue. Bartlett noted that in his 13 years with the department, he didn’t realize till this came up that the octopus is unprotected.

According to Bartlett, “There are two ways citizens can petition the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for a change in fishing rules: 1) fill out a petition form at http://www.ofm.wa.gov/reports/petition.pdf and send it to the commission or 2) attend a commission meeting and testify during a public comment period.” There’s a meeting coming up next Thursday and Friday, he notes – the calendar is here, and the agendas for both mornings show public-input periods. (You would have to go to Olympia, however.)

We also have asked Seattle Parks for comment on the possibility of protecting the waters at Seacrest; since it’s a city park, it seems as if they might have some jurisdiction. We’ll add that reply when we get it.

4:50 PM P.S. On the Northwest Dive Club discussion boards, where this first came to light, there is now a separate discussion about pursuing protection – see it here.

10:07 PM UPDATE: As Diver Laura (James) has pointed out in comments, a petition is now up and running online – find it here.

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South Park Bridge construction delay: Not done until 2014
November 2, 2012 1:58 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | West Seattle news

New information this afternoon, following up on a story we published last night on our partner site The South Park News: Construction of the new South Park Bridge has hit a snag, and completion will be delayed at least several months.

First word came from King County Roads’ Jay Osborne at last night’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, which we were covering for our other partner site, White Center Now; asked by NHUAC president Barbara Dobkin for an update on the bridge’s timeline, he said there had been some trouble with its foundation, and that “conversations” were under way to figure out how that would affect the schedule.

This afternoon, we talked with King County Department of Transportation spokesperson Jeff Switzer, who says the foundation work did indeed take longer than the contractor expected – particularly the sinking of the caissons through the hardest layer of riverbed – and that means instead of a fall 2013 completion, the bridge won’t be ready until sometime in 2014. The county is awaiting a revised construction schedule, and in the meantime is discussing how to financially help businesses and others affected by the extended period of bridgelessness. It’s already been two and a half years since the old bridge was taken out of service. In the meantime, Switzer says, demolition will start soon on what’s left of the old bridge.

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Happening now: West Seattle ballot-dropoff van’s first day
November 2, 2012 1:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

In the first two hours of the first of five West Seattle days for a King County ballot-dropoff van, about 60 ballots already had come in, according to the team at the van today – Skyler, Cindi, and Kayleigh. They are in the same spot as last time – along the West Seattle Stadium driveway (enter off northbound 35th, shortly before Avalon) – and will be there till 5 today and again 10 am-5 pm tomorrow through Monday, then 7 am-8 pm on Election Day (Tuesday). You can drive up and hand them your ballot, or park, walk up, and put it in the box yourself. They say the pace so far today was much busier than the first day they were here before the August primary. If you want to drop off a ballot somewhere else – close to where you work, for example – here’s the full list countywide.

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City park across from big project: What do YOU think?
November 2, 2012 11:58 am
|      46 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Earlier this year, we noted that a vacant lot at 4731 40th SW (map), toward the east edge of The Junction, was up for sale. We’ve just learned that the city is planning to buy it as potential parkland, with levy money specifically targeted for securing more open space in urban areas before it’s all gone. And, it so happens that the site is directly across the street from the future west side of the 4755 Fauntleroy Way megaproject. The city is wondering whether you think this site makes sense as a park. First, background from Chip Nevins of Seattle Parks:

The 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy allocated $24M to the acquisition of neighborhood parks in areas of the City that were experiencing significant growth and had a lack of park space; West Seattle Junction was one of the 18 urban villages identified in the Levy. Partly in response to DPD’s West Seattle Triangle UDF [Urban Design Framework], Parks has been looking for a property close to the Fauntleroy/Alaska junction to serve the new and proposed developments in that area. We recently got the vacant property at 4731 40th Ave SW under contract and are in the process of doing our due diligence on the property. One aspect of the due diligence is to make sure that the property makes sense as a park as it relates to the people, properties and projects around it.

This is the time for the city to take a close look at that, as the project goes to its second Early Design Guidance public review next Thursday (here’s our most recent report, with updated renderings). Nevins would like to hear what you think, along these lines:

I am looking for thoughts about whether this site makes sense. And if it does make sense, comments about how the design of the project at 4755 Fauntleroy SW could be changed to improve the functionality of a park at that location (which ideally would be mentioned at the EDG meeting).

Three ways to offer your thoughts on this: 1. Comment on this story. 2. E-mail Nevins directly – chip.nevins@seattle.gov. 3. Talk with him before or after the 4755 Fauntleroy Design Review Board meeting next Thursday (it starts at 8 pm, at the Senior Center of West Seattle, California/Oregon).

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Happening now: Volunteers start building Roxhill Castle
November 2, 2012 10:15 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

It takes a peninsula to build a playground. That’s Mike Shilley from Highland Park, one of the first volunteers getting to work in Westwood’s Roxhill Park this morning, as the “community build” of the new Roxhill Castle play structure begins.

Over the next several days, hundreds of volunteers will work in shifts – but even if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late to join them.

You can just show up at the site (across Barton from Westwood Village), or you can check out the newest information at the community site for the project, roxhillcastle.wordpress.com.

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West Seattle Friday: Roxhill Castle; ballot-dropoff van; Corner Bar; Sweet, Sweet Music…
November 2, 2012 9:20 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Friday: Roxhill Castle; ballot-dropoff van; Corner Bar; Sweet, Sweet Music…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Today’s sunrise; photo by Don Brubeck)
What a beautiful start to the day! Lots going on – here’s just part of it:

ROXHILL CASTLE: Time to build a playground! The rain has stopped in time for Roxhill Castle volunteers to get going at Roxhill Park. See the latest message for volunteers, here. They’re planning to work till 8 pm tonight – and then continuing tomorrow; you can show up and join in, too!

BALLOT-DROPOFF VAN: Haven’t sent in your ballot yet? Today is the first of five days with the King County Elections ballot-dropoff van staked out at West Seattle Stadium. Schedule’s in our calendar listing.

WINE TASTING #1: The Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) invites you to its tasting room 1-4 pm today (details here).

‘FIRST FRIDAY’ – HELP THE HELPLINE: The Rotary Club of West Seattle invites you to come hang out at The Cask in The Admiral District 5-7 pm and bring gently used coats, gloves, scarves to donate to the West Seattle Helpline – details here.

CORNER BAR AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: It’s the hottest ticket in town … first Friday of the month, 6 pm, HPIC turns into The Corner Bar. Dia de los Muertos is this month’s theme. 12th/Holden; be there!

BUTCHER-SHOP BASH, TO HELP WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK: ‘Meat the Live Butcher’ opens soon in South Delridge, and will cater a pre-grand-opening party tonight at the White Center Eagles’ HQ, as a benefit for White Center Food Bank. 6 pm; details here.

WINE TASTING #2: Bin 41 in The Junction, 6-7:30 pm, “Fall Favorites with Joelle.”

SIP AND SEW: A creative way to spend Friday night – with this class (21+ only) at West Seattle Fabric Company‘s new Stitch and Sew Studio north of Morgan Junction, 6 pm (more info here).

‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: Tunes from stage and screen, tonight at Fauntleroy Church, 7:30 pm. Get the details here.

‘LEND ME A TENOR’ AT WSHS: Second show for the West Seattle High School Drama production of “Lend Me a Tenor,” 7:30 pm. Ticket information and more, here.

REMINDER ABOUT TOMORROW NIGHT’S TIME CHANGE: Saturday night/Sunday morning is “fall back” time – one hour. So when it’s 2 am Sunday, it’ll be 1 am Sunday.

But before then … more for today/tonight, on our calendar!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates
November 2, 2012 6:05 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT camera looking at northbound 99 @ Lander; West Seattle Bridge cams not working currently)
6:05 AM: An early-morning crash at 1st and Seneca involving a Seattle Police vehicle is blocking the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct‘s Seneca offramp, so among other things, that means a bus reroute, says Metro:

Metro’s Friday AM commute is underway and starts off with Routes 21E, 55, 56E, 57 & RapidRide C & D Lines temporarily rerouted and using 4 Av S into Downtown Seattle due to blockage at the Alaskan Way Viaduct off ramp.

6:42 AM UPDATE: The ramp has now reopened – and Metro says buses are back to their normal routing.

9:47 AM UPDATE: We can of course share your photos from the commute, too, any time – just got this West Seattle Water Taxi view with today’s wonderful sunrise, from Jennifer:

From sunrise/sunset colors, to crowded/uncrowded buses, to weather/traffic scenes, share a photo any time.

3:43 PM UPDATE: There’s a backup on the southbound Viaduct – a truck didn’t make clearance under the lid, according to a photo sent to us by Riley:

5:26 PM: Metro just tweeted that more RapidRide C Line evening runs are coming:

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Fauntleroy Creek salmon update: Almost 100 so far!
November 1, 2012 10:15 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

The coho spawners returning to Fauntleroy Creek might make this “the biggest year since the fish ladder opened in 1998,” creek steward Judy Pickens tells WSB – as she reports that volunteer creek watchers have “documented 98 coho spawners in the creek. 98!!!” Her exuberance is understandable, given that just last Sunday, as three dozen people gathered for the drum-to-call-the-salmon-home ceremony, the tally was 7 spawners, all intercepted by otter(s). Then came news 10 had made it. And now suddenly, 10 times that. Judy adds, “We don’t have a good fix yet on the percentage of hatchery-release fish vs. wild, but whatever the source, all have sensed good habitat in Fauntleroy Creek.” Every spring she works with local schoolchildren who raise salmon fry in their classrooms (or hallways!) and then come to the creek to release them. (Photo courtesy “Jim of Fauntleroy“)

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Roxhill Castle build tomorrow: Special alert for volunteers
November 1, 2012 8:03 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Hours from now, the new Roxhill Castle play area starts to go up at Roxhill Park. Tonight, Amanda asked us to share this message to voluneers who have signed up – and to anyone considering joining in at the last minute:

Attention Builders of Roxhill Park!

Tomorrow, November 2, at 8:00 am is go time.
Please dress for the elements, and bring your own drill if you want! We also need extension cords as well as tape measures. Just label everything with your name on it.
Didn’t officially sign up? That’s okay! Come anyway. Build dates are November 2 – 6 from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Project Website: roxhillcastle.wordpress.com
Project Email: roxhillcastle@gmail.com

Amanda adds: “We have a week-long food drive for West Seattle Food Bank and White Center Food Bank as well! We will have containers on site that people can bring nonperishable goods for donation.”

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Update: North Admiral standoff over; man OK
November 1, 2012 4:58 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Photo added 5:53 pm, courtesy Ted)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:58 PM: If you’ve seen the sizable police response near 42nd/Walker in North Admiral, here’s what’s going on, according to SPD: A man is inside his home, threatening self-harm, possibly armed with a gun, and police are trying to talk him out. Just to be on the safe side, they are trying to keep people away from the area. More as we get it.

(Photo courtesy David Perry)
7:01 PM UPDATE: We’ve been monitoring this via the scanner and on scene. It appears that the man is OK and has come out – or is coming out – of the house with police. Nearby streets are reopening.

7:30 PM NOTE: Again, this has ended with everyone OK. We need to make one more note – if you or someone you know is considering suicide, or in another life-crisis situation, call this 24-hour hotline to reach the Crisis Clinic: 206.461.3222.

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Equity Residential’s West Seattle project: December demolition
November 1, 2012 4:16 pm
|      62 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Looking toward the California/Alaska corner of Equity Residential’s project)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

More than a dozen empty storefronts have sat at the Junction’s most prominent intersection for three months now, vacating by July 31st as ordered by their final landlord, the site’s future developer.

At the time, owner/developer Equity Residential said demolition to make way for their two-building apartments-over-retail project at California/Alaska could start as soon as mid-August.

Now it’s November, and nothing’s happened yet. So what’s the holdup, you might wonder? We wondered too and had been asking for information for a while. Today, we finally obtained it, meeting for the first time with executives from the Chicago-based corporation’s Puget Sound team to get the answer – and other project updates.

First, the answer to the biggest question: They expect to start demolition at the end of December, after Christmas. The permits were granted just last week, so they could start sooner if they wanted to, but they say they don’t want to have construction starting amid holiday shopping and festivities.

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West Seattle scene: ‘First Mike’ reads to Roxhill scholars
November 1, 2012 3:25 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
The husband of Governor Chris Gregoire was in West Seattle today for a literacy program at Roxhill Elementary School, reading “Duck for President“ to Roxhill scholars and donating books as part of a Reading Is Fundamental initiative involving governors’ spouses.

Mike Gregoire has always asked to be called “First Mike” instead of “First Gentleman” – and he’ll only have that title a little while longer, since his wife is not running for re-election. But “First Mike” pointed out that they have another big change ahead in their lives – their first grandchild is about to be born (as noted by our partners at The Seattle Times back in June). P.S. You’ll see in his bio that he’s the son of a public-school teacher.

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Followup: SPD activates automated speed camera by Gatewood Elementary
November 1, 2012 2:33 pm
|      41 COMMENTS
 |   Gatewood | Safety | West Seattle news

Back in August, we brought you first word that Seattle Police planned to place the city’s first fixed automated speed-detection cameras in school zones including Fauntleroy Way SW by Gatewood Elementary. SPD has just announced that camera and three others around the city are officially in operation as of today – read about it on SPD Blotter. There’s been a speed-camera-equipped van in the area for the past four years – and it’s the subject of this hot topic on the WSB Forums – but no fixed cameras till now. SPD says violations caught on the new camera will be “warnings only” until November 26th, when school reopens following the Thanksgiving break. That’s when ticketing – $189 per – will kick in.

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It’s November – think holidays! Free concert & coffee to launch West Seattle Lights 2012
November 1, 2012 1:20 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2011 West Seattle Lights)
We know, we know, the jack-o-lantern is still on the stoop and the Halloween candy isn’t gone yet. But November means time to think holidays – and here’s something you’ll want to plan ahead for: A free concert featuring a Grammy-nominated musician will highlight the lighting ceremony for the set-to-music West Seattle Lights display this year! Here’s the announcement from the lightmaster himself, Jim Winder:

On Saturday, November 24th, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Judy Pancoast will be presenting an outdoor Christmas concert at the home of Corey and Taylor Helmstetler at 3908 SW Charlestown. The public is invited free of charge, but attendees are asked to bring a donation for either West Seattle Food Bank or NW Parkinson’s Foundation.

Pancoast is visiting West Seattle as part of her third annual “The House on Christmas Street International Tour” in support of her new CD, “Christmas with Mrs. Claus.” Concerts on the tour are performed on the lawns and in the driveways of the decorating enthusiasts who have become her biggest fans and use her music in their animated lighting displays. The Helmstetler home is well known in the area for its magnificent annual display. This is the first year that they have hosted Pancoast’s tour.

Last year West Seattle Lights collected nearly 1,500 pounds of food for the West Seattle Food Bank and nearly $3000 for both the Food Bank and NW Parkinson’s Foundation.

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Marijuana-zoning Q/A at next Southwest District Council meeting
November 1, 2012 11:34 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Separate from the statewide initiative before voters in Tuesday’s election regarding marijuana regulation, the City of Seattle is pursuing a zoning measure that would give the city more regulatory tools regarding medical-marijuana businesses. If you want to hear more about it and/or have questions – be at next Wednesday’s Southwest District Council meeting (7 pm November 7th at the South Seattle Community College [WSB sponsor] board room) – City Council President Sally Clark and Councilmember Nick Licata are scheduled to be there for Q/A on the proposal – detailed on this city webpage.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Neighbor dispute turns damaging
November 1, 2012 10:32 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
This morning, we have details on a tense situation handled by police north of Lincoln Park early this morning. WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams photographed them investigating what was first reported as a case of a vehicle ramming a house – and then turned into a brief standoff.

It happened around 3 am in the 7000 block of 47th SW, and, Nick reports, could be heard from blocks away. Seattle Police Media Relations Det. Mark Jamieson says it is related to a “long-running neighbor dispute.” A 53-year-old man “drove his fullsize pickup truck through the neighbor’s garage door and repeatedly rammed the vehicles inside,” according to the police report. After that, according to Det. Jamieson, the man then rammed another pickup truck.

In all, four vehicles were damaged, and the garage door was destroyed. Then, police say, the suspect went back to his home and called a relative to say he was suicidal. By that time, officers had arrived, and one managed to get the man on the phone and “establish a dialogue” – they convinced him to come out of the house “without incident.” Fire/medic crews were called to check him out, and found he had indeed ingested pills, so he was taken to Harborview Medical Center on an involuntary-commitment recommendation as well as treatment; the report has been sent to detectives for further investigation.

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West Seattle Thursday: ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ at WSHS; Thriftway tastings; Skeleton Theatre; more
November 1, 2012 9:40 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo from Anchor (Luna) Park by Nakean Photography, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Welcome to November! LOTS of highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:

HELP MAKE WEST SEATTLE AUTHOR A BESTSELLER, EVEN IF BRIEFLY: On Wednesday we wrote about writer Mike Hickey’s book “Counterclockwise” and the bid to get it purchased en masse, simultaneously, at exactly 11 am today. Details in yesterday’s WSB story.

HOLIDAY TASTING AT THRIFTWAY: Big event this afternoon/evening at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor; California/Fauntleroy) – lots of food/beverage demos for you to try as the holiday party season approaches. (Among them – Full Tilt Ice Cream!) 4-7 pm.

SLIME AND SCIENCE: At the West Seattle Library – event for kids, 4 pm today. Must preregister – details on that, and more on the event, can be found here.

HIGH-SCHOOL PLAYOFFS: Both West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School have postseason volleyball matches at 5:30 tonight at Sammamish High School – here’s the schedule, from our partners at The Seattle Times.

WINE TASTING #1: November Collector’s Club wines are the subject of tonight’s free tasting at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor; 6026 California SW).

SKELETON THEATRE: Missed it last night? Another chance tonight! 6-9 pm at 36th and Hanford. We’ll add a video clip from last night, in a bit (update – here it is):

The show’s explained here.

NETWORKING EVENT: For local business owners – as explained here:

I Take The Lead is a professional networking organization that builds referral groups to exchange qualified leads and build business alliances. Two guest speakers at tonight’s event, Kris Prochaska, author of “Life Well Spoken: Free Your Inner Voice and Prosper,” and Elizabeth Lee of Seattle Organizing Works. They start at 6:30; prize raffle at 7:30.
Location: Windermere Real Estate Office, 4526 California Ave SW., Seattle, WA
Thursday, November 1, 2012: 6:00 to 8:30 pm

WINE TASTING #2: West Seattleite-founded Northwest Hope and Healing, which helps breast-cancer patients, is collaborating tonight with West Seattle wine shop Bin 41 on a wine-tasting event: Women Winemakers of the Pacific Northwest, 6-8 pm at Columbia City Gallery. Says NWHH’s Shari Sewell, “We are featuring 5 women who are taking the WA and OR wine industry by storm and creating award-winning wines. Tickets are $40 which includes wine tasting, appetizers and some great conversation! All the funds raised Thursday night will go into the NW Hope & Healing Patient Assistance Fund to help women get through cancer by helping provide financial grants for every day basics.” Full details on the NWHH website.

‘LEND ME A TENOR’ OPENING NIGHT! 7:30 pm at the West Seattle High School Theater (3000 California SW) – it’s the WSHS Drama fall production. Full details in our calendar listing.

MURRAY AID: Benefit tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW), 7 pm, to help Seattle beverage industry legend Murray Stenson with finances related to health issues. Details here.

FOOD DRIVE ‘COMPETITION’: LaFarge and Ash Grove have a friendly competition going for the next 20 days, according to Lashanna at LaFarge – a food drive, to see who can collect the most before Thanksgiving, to help neighbors in need. If you work at, or plan to visit, either plant, now’s the time to donate! They’re collecting nonperishable food, diapers, gift cards, and cash to donate to Northwest Harvest.

Also find nightlife listings and more, for tonight and beyond, on our calendar!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday’s updates
November 1, 2012 6:58 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:58 AM: Nothing major so far. Thanks in advance again for your reports throughout the day.

7:25 AM: From Jana via Twitter: Stalled vehicle on the bridge, and an ambulance. (Update – apparently the ambulance was headed elsewhere, which explains why there’s nothing on the 911 log; the car, however, was stuck at the high-rise, “right at the merge point.”)

8:55 AM: Scanner has word of a possible spinout on southbound 99 near the West Seattle Bridge.

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West Seattle schools: Denny launches Read-A-Thon fundraiser
November 1, 2012 2:49 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle schools: Denny launches Read-A-Thon fundraiser
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Now that it’s November – it’s time for Denny International Middle School‘s biggest fundraiser of the year – Read-A-Thon Month. According to an announcement from the Denny PTSA, “Students will be setting individualized goals with their literacy teachers and then asking for pledges of money for accomplishing those goals. The PTSA’s goal this year is $9,000 and to have 450 students participate. There are prizes for students who accomplish their reading goals and for those who receive a minimum donation of $10. If the community would like to donate to this great cause but doesn’t have a student at Denny please feel free to contact one of the co-chairs and we’ll get you connected to a student who might need a sponsor.” Co-chairs are Nicole Sipila and Karen Vegors; contact info is on the Read-A-Thon page of the Denny website. Looking ahead to holiday shopping, Barnes & Noble will have a Denny book fair week in December – kickoff event on December 14th, part of the proceeds from 12/14-12/21 will benefit Denny.

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Update: Police search, helicopter in Highland Park area
November 1, 2012 1:04 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news

helicopterwatch.png1:04 AM: Thanks for the texts and other messages – there’s an air/ground search in the Highland Park area. We’re checking on it.

1:20 AM: No info available from an official source at this point but we did hear a snippet of scanner traffic mentioning a burglary, and SPD’s Tweets by Beat – automated bits of information about police calls, delayed about an hour, sent out via Twitter – mentions a 12th/Holden burglary before midnight. (The full list of the latest “Tweets by Beat” for the West Seattle patrol sectors is available at all times, continuously updated, on our Crime Watch page.)

8:40 AM UPDATE: We now know what this was all about – talked with Det. Mark Jamieson in SPD Media Relations. He says a burglary was reported just before midnight in the 7000 block of 12th SW; while that was being investigated, another officer spotted three suspects “pushing a shopping cart full of apparently stolen property” in the 1200 block of SW Holden. When they saw police, they ran off in different directions. A K-9 team and additional officers came in to help search; the K-9 found one of them hiding under a bush at 13th and Webster. That suspect, 16 years old, was arrested and booked into the Youth Services Center. The Guardian One law-enforcement helicopter (which belongs to the King County Sheriff’s Office but is called in by other agencies as needed – SPD does NOT have its own helicopter) came in to help with the search for a while, but the other two suspects weren’t found. What officers DID find: Some stolen property, near where the arrest was made – including three large flatscreen TVs.

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